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My Favorite Rescue Stories and What They Taught Me

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Picture of 17 dogs and a few cats I rescued on the cover of Promises Kept by Dr. Susie Myers

As I share my journey through Promises Kept, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the most memorable rescue stories that have shaped my life and artistic expression. These stories of dogs rescued and lessons learned are truly impactful. Each dog I’ve rescued has a unique tale filled with joy, heartache, and lessons learned. These experiences not only inspired my paintings but also taught me valuable life lessons that I carry with me every day.

1. Flynn: The Fearless Fighter

Flynn was one of the first rescues that truly opened my heart to the world of dog rescue long before I started rescuing animals in pet rescue. He just showed up at our house after being hit by a car. After we took him to the vet and after surgery he lived in our basement until he healed and then moved upstairs with us. He especially loved our 2 year old son and became very protective when we went for walks. When I first met him, he was terrified and skittish, afraid of everything around him. It took time and patience to gain his trust, but every small victory felt monumental.

Lesson Learned: Through Flynn, I learned the power of patience and perseverance. Just as it took time for him to heal and learn to trust, I realized that the same applies to many aspects of life. Whether in art or personal challenges, patience often leads to the most rewarding outcomes.

2. Daisy: The Joy of Second Chances

I found Daisy after rescuing her from a neglectful situation. Initially, she was shy and withdrawn, but with love and care, she blossomed into a playful and affectionate companion. I’ll never forget the moment she first wagged her tail and approached me for a gentle pat.

Lesson Learned: Daisy’s transformation reminded me of the importance of second chances. Everyone, including ourselves, deserves an opportunity to start anew. This belief is a core theme in Promises Kept—that love and care can lead to healing and growth.

3. Molly: The Power of Connection

Molly was a spirited pup who had a knack for making everyone around her smile. Her infectious enthusiasm for life inspired me to paint a portrait that captured her playful nature. She would climb up in my lap and snuggle on my shoulder. Her barks sometimes sounded like she was talking. As I painted, I reflected on the incredible bond we shared during our time together.

Lesson Learned: Molly taught me about the power of connection and joy. Our relationships, whether with animals or people, enrich our lives in ways we often overlook. I learned to cherish those moments of connection and to share joy with others whenever possible.

4. Murphy: The Heart of a Survivor

Murphy, a Labrador-terrier mix is painted against a aqua blue pastel background.She was a dog I rescued and taught me many lessons.

Murphy, the Labrador Retriever-Schnauzer mix , I mentioned in a previous post, came into my life after enduring significant trauma. While she initially struggled with fear and anxiety, her determination to overcome her past was awe-inspiring. Painting her portrait was an emotional experience, as I tried to convey her journey from fear to confidence.

Lesson Learned: Murphy’s story reinforced the importance of resilience. No matter how tough things get, we have the strength to rise above our circumstances. Her journey is a testament to the belief that healing is possible, even in the darkest times.

Sharing Their Stories Through Art

In Promises Kept, I hope to bring stories like these to life, allowing readers to connect with the dogs I’ve rescued. Each tale is a reminder of the incredible spirit of these animals and the lessons they have imparted on me. It’s my hope that through these stories, you’ll find inspiration and a deeper understanding of the rescue experience. Dogs rescued and lessons learned are at the heart of these stories.

Join the Conversation

I would love to hear your stories about rescue animals! If you have a special rescue dog in your life or have been inspired by a pet, please share your experiences in the comments. Let’s celebrate the resilience and love that our furry friends bring into our lives. Understanding dogs rescued and lessons learned can create a stronger connection.

If you’re interested in reading more about incredible dogs like these and the lessons they taught me, be sure to pick up a copy of Promises Kept, available at Amazon.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, and for your continued support of animal rescue. Together, we can create a community that values the beauty of second chances and appreciates the impact of dogs rescued and lessons learned.

Warmly,
Susie
Author of Promises Kept

About The Author

Dr. Susie

I reside in Northeast Ohio after traveling from coast to coast and living in both rural and metropolitan areas from Los Angeles to New York and of course the Midwest. I am an author and third generation artist and have been painting since the early 1960s. I have always cared deeply about animals, both domestic and wild, and the preservation of endangered species, has always been a concern as well. Most recently, I was involved in animal rescue work, finding homes for over 11,000 dogs and cats over the previous 12 years. It's only natural then, that I am drawn to animals and nature for my art subjects. I have also explored the metaphysical including creative imagination, Reiki, crystal healing, tai chi, feng shui and yoga and feel they add depth to my art as well. By creating an emotional connection for the viewer I hope my artwork will create concern and compassion for our natural world and its wild inhabitants, and help stimulate conservation efforts. My love of historic buildings and their conservation led me to doing the house portraits and my architectural works

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